I Drive Straight Home

Try to clear my desk off as best I can. Undock my laptop and place it in my leather bag that’s lasted ten years. Reach in the top desk drawer to get my keys. And if I feel like it, walk to the lounge to get my lunch box. If not, I’ll just get it tomorrow. Say my goodbyes to staff I pass on the way out. Unlock my car door. Sit down. Turn on the ignition.

And…drive straight home.

Only two weeks since our new routine has been in place and I already miss the old one. I use to be the one to pick my son up from day care. He would always run into my arms the moment he saw me. And I would pick him up and give him the biggest hug.

But this year my son starts preK, so he goes to school with my wife and daughter. They get to walk him to class. They get to pick him up each day. They get the biggest hugs.

And I am happy for them. I was the lucky recipient of those biggest hugs for many years. First, from my daughter and then from my son. I have received more hugs in the past seven years than some folks get in a lifetime. And I have absorbed each and every one.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Dr. Seuss

I knew this day was coming. What I didn’t expect was to find a comparable replacement so soon. But the other day. As my daughter was walking out the door. She said, “Daddy, today you wave to us.”

You see, this summer they would wave to me as I drove off to work. Now though, they leave before me. Not much before. I get to walk them all to the car and give each a hug and a kiss.

And as they back out of the driveway, the windows roll down. To prepare for what has now become the best part of my day. When my kids holler out the windows and down the street, “We love you, best Daddy in the World.”

It still feels a little weird driving straight home after work. And I’m gonna miss the biggest hugs. But I’ve got to say, having my kids holler down the street at 7:30 in the morning how much they love me? That’s pretty awesome!

The most beautiful moments in our lives are often over before we have a chance to fully appreciate them. Knowing this, we must be fully prepared for the next one so that we may begin anew. Making every effort to be even more present than the time before.

“Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.”

I am in a very similar situation. Your post helps a lot! I am very thankful for the experiences I have had and the new ones that lie ahead. Thank you for the reality check!
Another great post, filled with wisdom!

Always appreciate how you write from the heart Jon, and I can really connect with your writing as our kids are of a similar age. I often think of how important it is to be present each day- your post is an eloquent reminder to do just that. Keep up the great writing I’ve come to look forward to reading!

This is beautifully written. You are obviously a caring and loving dad. I have a similar title in my mind this year but a different story. I’m a mother of a 1yr old and an almost 4 yr old. I’m a high school English teacher. My husband is a stay at home dad. I used to go to the gym every afternoon and then fly home. Rushed afternoons. Then I realized I’d save 1.5 hours total if I worked out in the morning at school. I get there at 530 and I’m in my classroom a little after 7. Then, I drive straight home to spend time with my family. I get at least an hour more with my kids every day. That’s over 5 hours each week. I feel so lucky that I have this schedule and the people in my life who support and care for me. And my husband is an amazing dad and husband. I love driving “straight home”. Just thought I’d share….

I love that! Thank you so much for sharing this. An extra 1.5 hours is so much and the fact that you do that is awesome! Thank you for taking the time to write such a meaningful comment. Have a great day.

Place each and every memory, wave, hug in a bottle and open when necessary. When they leave for college; when they move away; when you get to share every other holiday with them. Through your blog you are capturing those memories in that bottle. Keep writing.